During February – American Heart Month – the American Heart Association is urging at least one person in every household to commit to learning Hands-Only CPR.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. This year’s American Heart Month activities are designed to help motivate people to “Be the Beat” needed to keep someone alive by learning the two simple steps it takes to save a life – call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

According to American Heart Association data, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival – which is key since about 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. And, because about 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, the odds are the person who needs CPR will be a family member or friend. Hands-Only CPR is quick and simple to learn and can be performed by a family member or bystanders.

“If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of a loved one: a spouse, a parent, grandparent, child or a friend,” said Leeanna McKibben, MSN, RN, president of the American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh and chief of staff and vice chancellor for Health Sciences Administration at the University of Pittsburgh. “We encourage people to be prepared for a cardiac emergency by learning Hands-Only CPR to help save lives.”

Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps.

Step 1: If a teen or adult suddenly collapses, call 911 immediately.

Step 2: Place one hand on top of the other and push hard and fast on the victim’s chest.

Visit heart.org/handsonlycpr to watch and share our Hands-Only CPR instructional video.
Join the CPR Challenge. Be the Beat and help save a life!

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